be left in charge (of someone or something)

To be placed in a position of control, authority, or responsibility over someone or something in the absence of someone else. Who was left in charge here during the managing director's absence? I want to speak to the person who's going to be making the decisions. My eldest daughter is nearly 17, so she was left in charge of the other kids while I was away for work. Hey, get away from there—I was left in charge of chopping the carrots!